Lab Technician / Sample Preparation (all genders)

We're building the operating system for materials analysis.

Right now, scientists spend far too much time battling outdated tools and fragmented processes to characterize their materials. That slows down progress in fields like mining, batteries, sustainable cement, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. The world relies on real progress in these fields fast.

We're fixing it.

Momentum Transfer has closed a successful pre-seed round and is on path to become the go-to platform for powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements as a service. More than 2,300 researchers from the global materials science community already rely on us to push their work forward.

Work in our lab
The Mindset
This role is for someone who enjoys hands-on lab work and takes care in doing it right. You'll work in our sample preparation laboratory in Hamburg — receiving and logging customer samples, preparing powder samples in the fume hood and glovebox, and packaging samples for synchrotron measurements.
We're looking for somebody who is careful, reliable, and genuinely curious about lab work.
Who this is for
You've had some exposure to a laboratory environment — maybe through a vocational training programme, coursework, an internship, or an apprenticeship. You're comfortable following protocols carefully, handling materials with precision, and keeping a workspace clean and organized.
You don't need a degree or years of experience. You need practical curiosity, care in your work, and a willingness to learn.
The Role
This is a hands-on position in our sample preparation facility in Hamburg. You'll work closely with the Lab Manager and our operations team, taking responsibility for receiving, preparing, and packaging powder samples for synchrotron measurements worldwide.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Sample Reception – Receive and log incoming customer samples, check documentation, classify samples by hazard type
• Sample Preparation – Prepare powder samples using the fume hood and glovebox following written procedures, weigh, mill, and load samples into measurement holders
• Equipment Use & Maintenance – Operate and care for lab instruments, ensure proper functioning of equipment, keep consumables stocked
• Documentation – Follow and record standard operating procedures, maintain accurate sample tracking in our system
• Quality – Work with precision and care to ensure samples are prepared consistently and correctly every time
• Packaging & Logistics – Package completed samples and coordinate their shipment to synchrotron facilities (ESRF Grenoble, DESY Hamburg)

What we're looking for

• Some lab background – You've had contact with a laboratory setting — through vocational training (e.g. Chemielaborant/CTA/BTA or equivalent), lab courses at university, an internship, or any similar experience. Hands-on exposure to lab work is what matters, not a specific degree or job title.
• Careful and precise – Working with powders and chemicals, following protocols, documenting results — you do things properly and pay attention to the details.
• Reliable and organized – Sample tracking, equipment care, consumable management — you're consistent, dependable, and follow through.
• Willing to learn – You'll be trained on our specific instruments and procedures. What matters is that you're curious and open to mastering new skills.
• Nice to have – Any experience with powder handling, fume hood or glovebox operation, or XRD sample preparation is a genuine plus — but absolutely not a requirement.

Who we're looking for

• We need someone who takes care — You handle samples carefully, keep your workspace clean, and follow procedures properly. A well-prepared sample and a tidy bench mean something to you.
• We need someone curious – You're interested in the work and want to understand what you're doing and why. You ask questions and improve over time.
• We need a team player – You'll work as part of a small, international team. Clear communication, reliability, and mutual respect are essential.
• We need reliability – Our customers depend on us. Deadlines matter. Consistency matters. You show up and deliver.

Why join us
Joining Momentum Transfer means being part of something being built from the ground up. You'll have real ownership of your work, and you'll see the direct impact of what you do every day.
You'll be part of a mission that matters: accelerating materials research for energy, healthcare, and sustainability. Every sample you prepare contributes to scientific discoveries worldwide.
You'll work with a supportive team that values quality and craftsmanship. And you'll have room to grow as we scale our operations.

The details
Type - Full-time
Contract - Permanent
Location - Hamburg (100% on-site)
Start - As soon as possible
Salary - Competitive, based on experience

Process

• Application (from below)
• "Get to know" Interview
• On-site Visit / Practical Discussion
• Founders Call
• Offer

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you care about doing good lab work and want to be part of something meaningful, we'd love to hear from you.